Minutes 2014-12-16
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PRATTVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2014
6:06 P.M.
The Prattville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 16, 2014, at 6:06
p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the American
Flag, Council President Wood gave the invocation. Roll was called and all were recorded as
being present.
THE CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH IS SENSITIVITY: Using my senses to
perceive the true attitudes and emotions of others.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: City Council Meeting December 2, 2014.
Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the minutes and Councilor Brown seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the minutes were adopted (6-0).
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT REGARDING TONIGHT’S AGENDA:
None
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Gillespie introduced Russ Sanders, new Athletic Director for the City.
The Sanitation schedules have been adjusted for Christmas and New Year’s weeks. The
adjusted schedules are available on the website.
Mayor Gillespie thanked all departments for their efforts during 2014:
Public Safety – Chief Terry Brown, Chief Mark Thompson, City Judge Louis Colley,
City Prosecutor Rob Riddle, Chief Magistrate Charlotte Adair
Public Works – Randy Lucas
General Government – Lisa Thrash, Doug Moseley, Cathy Dickerson, Robby Anderson,
Joel Duke
Quality of Life – Kellie Cook
Mayor Gillespie highlighted achievements in calendar year 2014 for each division:
Public Safety – The Mayor thanked Chief Brown, Chief Thompson and Lisa Thrash
for a stellar job establishing the new promotion policy. The Police & Fire Citizens’
Academy was successful and additional things are to come. In the Judicial arena, the
special revenue fund was implemented.
Public Works – Under the leadership of Randy Lucas and the reorganization that
has taken place, these divisions are becoming more effective, more efficient, and will
be ever-evolving. These changes might not be visible to the public at present, but over
time, they will notice the efficiency in the premiere services the City delivers. These
departments are to be credited for the curb appeal of this City and commended for the
extra efforts they made this year.
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General Government – Lisa Thrash and the HR Department have implemented
changes that continue to keep our healthcare costs manageable. Doug Moseley,
Finance and IT Departments, continues to save dollars for our citizens through
technology. Doug was key in the process of acquiring a better credit rating as well as
the successful refinancing of some of our bonds. This saves our City a considerable
amount in interest. Cathy Dickerson, City Clerk, has streamlined her department
through surplus program procedures coupled with keeping this Council informed of
continuing education opportunities. Robby Anderson, Engineering, has kept this
City traversable with sidewalk improvement projects as well as piping projects and all
have had positive results. Joel Duke, Planning & Development, used his expertise to
help businesses and citizens alike in their pursuit of life or business endeavors here in
our great city.
Quality of Life – Kellie Cook, Parks and Recreation, has breathed new life into our
Parks as well as our recreation programs making our programs address physical health
and mental well-being.
The Mayor thanked the Council for providing necessary funding for these achievements. All of
these areas coupled together are the time, tools, and talent needed to accomplish the goals
and tasks at hand.
Mayor Gillespie wished everyone a very Merry Christmas with family and friends, and a
Happy New Year.
Council President Wood recognized Probate Judge Al Booth in the audience.
REPORT FROM COUNCIL ON SPECIAL COMMITTEES: None
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF CITY FINANCES:
Finance Director Doug Moseley presented the finance reports for November 2014. The
Unaudited General Fund Revenue report showed that revenue was in line with the budget,
with the exception of property taxes which are down 36.10% from the prior year. The
difference was caused by the time period in which the property tax revenue was received from
the Autauga County Revenue Commission.
The Tax Breakdown Comparison report showed increased revenue in comparison to the prior
year.
The Unaudited Expenses by Department report showed expenses in line.
The Wastewater Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed that with 8.33% of the budget
year complete, revenue was at 9.10%. Expenses were at 38.15% with 16.67% of the budget
year complete. This was due to payoff of the SRF loan.
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The Sanitation Enterprise Fund Income Statement showed that with 8.33% of the budget year
complete, revenue was at 8.63%. Expenses were at 13.58% with 16.67% of the budget year
complete.
The Judicial Special Revenue Fund Income Statement showed that with 16.67% of the budget
year complete, revenue was at 11.83%. Expenses were at 8.25% with 16.67% of the budget
year complete.
The Bank Balances report showed a total cash balance of $11,267,708.66 as of November 30,
2014.
The City Wide Accounts Payable and Debt Balances report show total debt at $41,899,913.46
as of November 30, 2014. The 2007 EDI Warrant was paid off in November 2014.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. RESOLUTION: To Declare Various Weeded Lots to be a Public Nuisance and Ordering
Their Abatement per Title 11, Chapter 67 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as Amended.
(Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 189
2. RESOLUTION: To Grant a Restaurant Retail Liquor License to Jim N Nick’s Auburn,
LLC d/b/a Jim & Nick’s Bar-B-Q Prattville. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 190
3. RESOLUTION: To Set a Public Hearing to Grant a Restaurant Retail Liquor License to
Apolonio Ramirez d/b/a La Poblana II. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 191
4. RESOLUTION: To Appoint Julie Gunn to the Library Board. (Sponsored By: Councilor
Brown)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 192
Councilor Boone made a motion to place Items #1-4 on a Consent Agenda and Council
President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. The Consent Agenda was accepted (6-
0). Councilor Boles made a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda and Councilor Starnes
seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Consent Agenda was adopted with the
following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, BOLES, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
AGENDA:
1. ORDINANCE: To Declare Twelve (12) X26 Out-of-Warranty Tasers Surplus and to
Authorize Trade In to Gulf States Distributors. (Sponsored By: Councilor Starnes)
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ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, PAGE 041
Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor Brown seconded the
motion. By point of order, it is necessary that the Council rules be suspended if immediate
action is to be considered. Councilor Boles made a motion to suspend the rules and Council
President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). There
being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, BOLES, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
2. ORDINANCE: To Surplus Various Equipment from the Parks and Recreation
Department. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boone)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, PAGE 042
Councilor Boone made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor Starnes seconded the
motion. By point of order, it is necessary that the Council rules be suspended if immediate
action is to be considered. Councilor Brown made a motion to suspend the rules and Council
President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). There
being no discussion, the Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, BOLES, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
3. ORDINANCE: To Declare Eight (8) Digital Ally In-Vehicle Digital Video Rear View
Mirror Systems Surplus and to Authorize Trade In to Digital Ally, Inc. (Sponsored By:
Councilor Starnes)
ORDINANCE BOOK 2014, PAGE 043
Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Ordinance and Councilor Boone seconded the
motion. By point of order, it is necessary that the Council rules be suspended if immediate
action is to be considered. Councilor Boles made a motion to suspend the rules and Councilor
Brown seconded the motion. The rules were suspended (6-0). There being no discussion, the
Ordinance was adopted with the following results:
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, BOLES, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
4. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 014-015 to Emergency Lighting by Haynes for the
Purchase of Emergency Lights, Equipment, and Installation for Eight (8) 2015 Ford
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Interceptor SUV’s for the Police Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $34,911.92. (Sponsored
By: Councilor Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 193
Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Boone seconded the
motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results.
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, BOLES, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
5. RESOLUTION: To Award Bid No. 014-016 to Digital Ally, Inc. for the Purchase of In-
Vehicle Digital Video Rear View Mirror Systems for Eight (8) 2015 Ford Interceptor SUV’s for
the Police Department at a Cost Not to Exceed $27,960.00. (Sponsored By: Councilor
Starnes)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 194
Councilor Starnes made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Striplin seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results.
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, BOLES, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
6. RESOLUTION: To Authorize the Mayor to Enter into a Continuation of Regional
Training Center Agreement with the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards
Commission to Host a Regional Training Center at 290 Echlin Blvd. and 350 County Road 4
West. (Sponsored By: Councilor Boles)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 195
Councilor Boles made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor Boone seconded the
motion. Councilor Boles noted that a friend from Tampa, Florida attended a training session
provided by the State in the City’s facilities. Councilor Boles expressed appreciation of the
effort and hard work to maintain this process and keep the City’s employees properly trained.
There being no further discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the following results.
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, BOLES, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
7. RESOLUTION: To Enter into an Agreement with Constantine Engineering to Provide
Construction, Engineering, and Inspection Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $73,000.00
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(Net Cost to the City Not to Exceed $14,600.00) for the Resurfacing of East Main Street from
Shady Oak Lane to McQueen Smith Road for Project No. STPAA-7804(603). (Sponsored By:
Councilor Brown)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 196
Councilor Brown made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Council President Pro Tempore
Striplin seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results.
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, BOLES, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
8. RESOLUTION: To Ratify and Affirm the Rebuild of One (1) Grit Conveyor for the Pine
Creek Treatment Facility by Collier Machine & Fabrication, Inc. at a Cost of $6,750.00.
(Sponsored By: Council President Pro Tempore Striplin)
RESOLUTION BOOK 2014-B, PAGE 197
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin made a motion to adopt the Resolution and Councilor
Brown seconded the motion. There being no discussion, the Resolution was adopted with the
following results.
AYES : STRIPLIN, WOOD, BROWN,
STARNES, BOLES, BOONE 6
NAYS : NONE 0
ABSTAINED : NONE 0
ABSENT : NONE
COMMENTS FROM PERSONS PRESENT:
Freddie Nobles and Betty Hall spoke regarding the dilapidated structure located at 859
Washington Ferry Rd. Mr. Nobles stated he received a letter from Code Enforcement Officer
Carl Wilson stating that his extension had run out. Mr. Nobles stated he met with Mr. Wilson
following his public hearing, but he was never given a deadline. Mr. Nobles requested
additional time to repair the structure.
Council President Wood asked Mr. Wilson for a report. Mr. Wilson stated that he had reports
ready for the City Council regarding the dilapidated structures which were granted an
extension. Mr. Wilson presented Councilors with a copy of the report.
Mr. Wilson reported that he met with Mr. Nobles on last Friday. The lot is clean and the
property owners have added screens to the windows. The house is not sealed up and little
work has been completed on the interior of the structure. Debris has been removed, but the
structure is as it was when measures started.
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Council President Wood noted that Councilors would review the reports presented by Mr.
Wilson regarding the status of each dilapidated structure. Council President Wood
recommended that Mr. Nobles meet with Mr. Wilson again.
Ms. Hall added that her brother is disabled and has had surgery since the last meeting that
they attended. Mr. Nobles needs to have one more surgery and will receive a settlement to
repair the house. The family is requesting additional time to repair the structure.
Judge Booth, 512 Wetumpka Street, reported on repairs made to 101 N. Chestnut Street.
The six (6) months extension the Council allowed will expire this month and the repairs are
not complete. Judge Booth had planned to hire a contractor to complete the work and when
ready to proceed, the contractor intended to remove the porch and build a new porch. This
solution was not satisfactory to Judge Booth. Judge Booth would prefer to work with and
build on the existing porch. Judge Booth requested that the Council grant him additional time
to complete repairs on the structure.
Council President Wood noted that the Council will review Mr. Wilson’s report on all
dilapidated structures and will address after the first of the year. Judge Booth asked for a
copy of the report.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Mayor Gillespie wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Mayor
thanked department heads, Mayor’s staff Teresa Lee and Meredith Dismukes, City Attorney
David McDowell, and Council members for their hard work.
Council President Pro Tempore Striplin expressed his appreciation to City staff and fellow
Councilors and wished all a Merry Christmas.
Councilor Boles wished all a Merry Christmas and encouraged all to remember the reason for
the season.
Council Boone wished all a Merry Christmas and a special thanks to the Special Events and
Urban Management Departments for their efforts to make Prattville beautiful during this
season.
Council President Wood thanked all employees for their hard work and wished all a Merry
Christmas and healthy and safe Happy New Year. Immediately after the first of the year, the
Council looks forward to filling the District 5 vacancy.
ADJOURN:
There being no further business to come before the council, Councilor Starnes made a motion
to adjourn and Council President Pro Tempore Striplin seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned (6-0) at 6:39 p.m.
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APPROVED:
___________________________
Cathy Dickerson
City Clerk
___________________________
Willie L. Wood, Jr., President
Prattville City Council